On a cold January night, bidding was hot at the Second Harvest Chef’s Gala. More than 300 Itasca area people – groups of families, friends and co-workers – pooled their money and gathered together for a fun-filled evening of bidding to have their meal cooked and served by local celebrity chefs and servers. At the …
AspireNORTH — a new program of Minnesota North College’s five campuses — shows the exciting changes possible when key institutions intentionally set their sights on coordinated regional impact. Shifting to build systems that work for students – not the other way around – sets our local colleges on a path to offer learning that fits …
For rural communities, Veterans Day is an up close and personal day of remembrance. Many of us count family, friends and neighbors among those who have served our country in times of war and peace, and are serving today. Minnesota author and veteran Diana Oestreich asks that this Veteran’s Day we go deeper than simply …
As summer vacation gets in full swing, it’s the perfect time to celebrate our area students – especially the seniors graduating from high school. Enjoy this collection of pics and videos of the capable young people who add energy and excitement to our communities all year long. Seniors – we celebrate this important milestone with …
Nothing truly worthwhile is ever easy. This is especially true if you’re a rural community leader. Community issues are complex. Sometimes it’s hard to see the “whole” or what it all adds up to. Great leaders know that change starts small and builds from the ground up. It takes local leaders digging in, planting seeds …
Blandin Foundation has been in the hope business for more than 75 years. Hope is believing that a different future is possible – for ourselves, our people, our communities. Wise community leaders know that creating a shared vision for the future, a vision arising from and embraced by the community, is the engine that powers …
Minnesota Council on Foundations recently profiled Public Policy and Engagement Program Associate Becky LaPlant for their latest issue of Giving Forum. In the article, Becky shares her journey to philanthropy and how, after 15 years at the Foundation, she approaches her community work. The Blandin Foundation continues to work internally and externally in ways that …
Blandin Foundation’s President and CEO Dr. Kathleen Annette spoke to central Minnesota community foundation board members, volunteers and leaders at the first-ever Community Giving Day this week. As place-based foundations, community foundations can see “whole communities,” positioning them as unique and important in Minnesota’s philanthropic landscape. Dr. Annette shared with attendees five lessons learned working for …
In a series of region-specific commentaries on the need for better broadband in rural Minnesota, Blandin Foundation President Dr. Kathleen Annette congratulates the hard work so many communities have done to bring high-speed Internet to their communities. With nearly all of the state’s un- and underserved areas in rural communities, though, she urges leaders to …
“Because with 75 years experience, we know that a truly vibrant community will be one where every member has both options for their life, and the ability to pursue those paths to their fullest end.” Blandin Foundation President and CEO Kathy Annette shared this statement with our partners earlier this year in an email about the work …